CHARACTERIZATION OF PEARL MILLET (Pennisetumglaucum L.) ACCESSIONS FOR GRAIN AND FORAGE PRODUCTION IN SOKOTO,SUDAN SAVANNA AGRO-ECOLOGY UNDER IRRIGATION

Abstract

ABSTRACT Genetic variability which is the basic material for selection and improvement of any crop is fast eroding in pearl millet as natural habitats of wild cultivated species are being destroyed and modern cultivars replacing the traditional cultivars. On this premise collection and characterization of the crop germplasm was carried to identify elite accession(s) for the crop improvement. Thirty (30) pearl millet accessions collected from international crop research institute for arid and semi-arid tropics (ICRISAT), Niamey Niger republic were characterized for grain and fodder yield parameters under irrigated condition using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated two times. The germplasm displayed significant (p<0.05) variability for stand establishment, days to 50 % flowering, number of leaves, leaf length, leaf width. Leaf area, leaf area index,plant height, number of panicles harvested, panicle length, grain yield, dry and green fodder yield. The accessions, however, did not exhibit any significant (p>0.05) variation for number of tillers, and all the proximate components analysed. Different accessions displayed potential for selection of the desired traits. ISP 2838 was the earliest maturing accession in terms of 50% flowering while ISP 3092 recorded the maximum leaf area, leaf area index and grain yield. With respect to number of leaves ISP 1507 had the maximum number of leaves. ISP 2667 had the maximum plant height while on the basis of panicle length ISP 2570 had the longest panicle. ISP 2676 produced the highest green and dry fodder yield.The genetic potential of these accessions can be exploited in future pearl millet breeding programs. The variability recorded in the germplasm in most of the parameters studied, indicate that the accessions could be explored in the crop improvement.